"A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed," he said, referencing criticisms of the way Africa is portrayed in the charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

The pop star says he would have refused permission, as his understanding of Western aid has changed.

Ed Sheeran recently called out Band Aid for using his vocals without permission in their recent mix. Fans have now grown curious about the controversy between the singer and the charity supergroup. So,

Ed Sheeran referenced a post by Ghanaian-English artist Fuse ODG who said Band Aid 'perpetuates damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth'.

Ed Sheeran is one of the voices on the new "ultimate" Band Aid mix, alongside Sting, Boy George, Harry Styles, Rita Ora and the Sugababes.

A new 40th anniversary mix of Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas? will see the young and old voices of the charity single's artists come together to create an "ultimate" version

Last week, Band Aid announced that they will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their charity single, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" with a new version featuring different eras of the track mixed together.

The 40th anniversary mix will feature performances from the various versions of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Ed Sheeran has criticised Band Aid organisers for using his vocals without permission in their new 40th-anniversary release of Do They Know It's Christmas? The Suffolk singer, 33, took to Instagram to express his disappointment,

Ed Sheeran is unhappy his vocals have been used on a Band Aid 40th anniversary single, suggesting the initiative perpetuates “damaging stereotypes” of Africa. The singer performed on a 2014 version of Do They Know It’s Christmas?